Hi y’all,
New here and was surprised to not find anything on heat pump water heaters with the search function, assuming I did it right. We’ve been using an E Tech heat pump water heater with a standard electric water heater. It cuts 2/3 of our water heating bill while giving a byproduct of cool dry air. We’re serious about dehumidification in our somewhat odd house anyway and it provides 4/5 of that as well, making us very happy campers. Doesn’t get much better.
Recently I replaced the tank water heater with a Whirlpool that has a control panel on top. It’s convenient to be able to change function and temperature without removing panels. Unfortunately it also seems to require current for the thermostats to work. The E Tech only sends current to the water heater when it gets behind and wants help. Now, the tank thermostats aren’t working and can’t turn on the heat pump. At least that’s how I THINK it was working with the old tank thermostats.
A client house, nearing owner finish, has the same situation. I hope somebody can tell us how to get these two systems working together without 1) replacing the water heater with the old style water heater, or 2) disconnecting the tank heater elements. Any ideas?
Thanks, Tom
Replies
I know nothing about these WH's but wish I did. Glad to see you bring it up.
Here you go:
http://www.pnl.gov/fta/3_res.htm#manu
Not applicable for all situations, but fantastic when they are. I've designed for them. Normally quite expensive but we got lucky and found a couple on ebay that had been sitting around a warehouse for several years. Pay back was under 6 months. Good that you're interested.
Mine was drawing all of 2.3A compared to the 50 pint dehumidifier at 7.5A, not to mention the hot water...
just saw an ad in my latest Plumbing & Mechanical magazine for this type and wanted to check it out.